Trim clicks, but working less and less each day.

[scooper77515]

I originally thought it was the button, so I replaced it.

Now it works sometimes, seems like it works better on land or on the ramp (cool engine), but have not confirmed this 100%

Yesterday, I had to tow home with the engine only about 6" off the ground!!!

While I am in the engine bay, my wife hits the up/down trim button, we hear/feel a click at the relay(s), but no trim motor activation (except more and more intermittently).

Should I be looking at replacing the relay(s) or swapping out the trim motor, at this point? I have two little relay-looking boxes near the trim motor. Took a picture so I can see the diagrams and numbers on them, in case I need to purchase new ones.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Start by removin', 'n cleanin' to shiny metal Clean, the battery wires, both ends, 'n those on the solenoids,.....

 

[KJM]

If the solinoid is clicking then its probably working. May be the actual trim motor itself. Use a voltmeter to see if its getting voltage even when its not working. That should tell the tale. I took apart a trim motor that wasn't working a few years ago and discovered that the flexable wire going to one of the spring loaded bushings had broken clear. Soldered it back in place and it worked fine, so you may not need a new one if its the problem.....

 

[scooper77515]

Sadly, my boat is 4 hours away, so I won't get a chance to run any tests on it until I get back out there this weekend.

I can put a jumper on the trim motor and test it that way, as well. At least to cancel out the motor as being the culprit, then work my way back to the wires and relays.

 

[poconojoe]

I don't know what drive you have, but if it's an Alpha.....
Next time your drive gets stuck in the down position, pull the caps and "E" clips to disconnect the trim rams. Then pick up the drive and tie it and the rams up. Now you can safely drive home. Just make sure you tie them up real good!

 

[scooper77515]

I don't know what drive you have, but if it's an Alpha.....
Next time your drive gets stuck in the down position, pull the caps and "E" clips to disconnect the trim rams. Then pick up the drive and tie it and the rams up. Now you can safely drive home. Just make sure you tie them up real good!

Great idea! I was so frustrated at the time that I didn't even think about that.

 

[scooper77515]

I think I fixed it. There are two relays near the trim motor, I pulled them, found ONE at the auto parts store, so stabbed it into one of the relay ports (where there was an aftermarket one previously), and everything seems to be working well, so far.

Will know tomorrow for sure after we put it back in the water.